Rep. Donald McEachin (D-VA) has died after a yearslong battle with colorectal cancer, his office announced in a statement Monday night.
McEachin, 61, was finishing out his third term in Congress representing Virginia’s Fourth District at the time of his death.
“We are all devastated at the passing of our boss and friend, Congressman Donald McEachin. Valiantly, for years now, we have watched him fight and triumph over the secondary effects of his colorectal cancer from 2013,” McEachin’s office wrote. “Tonight, he lost that battle, and the people of Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District lost a hero who always, always fought for them and put them first.”
— Rep. Donald McEachin (@RepMcEachin) November 29, 2022
McEachin had just won reelection this month, receiving a decisive 65 percent of the vote in the blue-leaning southeast region of Virginia that he represented. His district included the state capital of Richmond and stretched south to the North Carolina border.
Several Virginia politicians, both Democrat and Republican, expressed their grief and condolences over McEachin’s untimely passing in statements Monday night, including Sens. Mark Warner (D-VA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), Attorney General Jason Miyares (R), and a few of his fellow Virginia congressmembers.
“Up until the very end, Don McEachin was a fighter,” Warner wrote. “Even though he battled cancer and faced other trials in recent years, he never lost his focus on social and environmental justice. Tonight, Virginia has lost a great leader and I have lost a great friend.”
Up until the very end, Don McEachin was a fighter. Even though he battled cancer and faced other trials in recent years, he never lost his focus on social and environmental justice.
Tonight, Virginia has lost a great leader and I have lost a great friend.
— Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) November 29, 2022
More:
I met Donald McEachin in 1985–we became fast friends. A gentle giant, a compassionate champion for underdogs, a climate warrior, a Christian example, an understanding dad, a proud husband, a loyal brother. “Teach us how short our life is, so that we may become wise.” Psalm 90:12.
— Tim Kaine (@timkaine) November 29, 2022
I join Virginians from across the Commonwealth to express our condolences to the Honorable Colette McEachin and their entire family. Congressman McEachin served Virginia admirably in the House of Delegates, the State Senate, and as a Representative in Congress. He will be missed.
— Jason Miyares (@JasonMiyaresVA) November 29, 2022
It is with the deepest sadness that I learned of the passing of my colleague and friend @RepMcEachin. My full statement below. https://t.co/tQR5bqrZua
— Rep. Bobby Scott (@BobbyScott) November 29, 2022
Heartbroken to learn of Don McEachin’s passing. A noble friend, husband, and father. An environmentalist, civil rights advocate, faithful public servant, and a man of consequence. There was no better ally to have. I will miss him terribly.
— Rep. Gerry Connolly (@GerryConnolly) November 29, 2022
It is with sadness that I would like to express my condolences to the McEachin family at the passing of my colleague, Rep. Donald McEachin. I am grateful for the kindness he showed me during the two years we served together. My prayers are with his family.
— Congressman Bob Good (@RepBobGood) November 29, 2022
Tonight, I am mourning my friend, colleague, and mentor Congressman Donald McEachin.
He was a good man who endeavored to make others feel important and heard whether in the courtroom, the General Assembly, the U.S. Congress, or simply in a quiet moment.
— Rep. Abigail Spanberger (@RepSpanberger) November 29, 2022
McEachin’s staff said their office will “remain open” and that they will “continue to serve [their] constituents” until McEachin’s congressional seat can be filled.
McEachin is survived by his wife as well as three children.
His office noted funeral arrangements for the late congressman would be announced in the coming days.
Write to Ashley Oliver at aoliver@breitbart.com. Follow her on Twitter at @asholiver.
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